Upshift Issue 71 - July 2022

Issue 71

July 2022

2023 KTM 500 EXC-F 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F

UNMAT CONQUER THE MOST EXTREME TERRAIN Think of the 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F as a sledgehammer. Hard-hitting, effective, and utterly devastating. But, thanks to a nimble chassis and its even more compact high-tech engine, this large-displacement power machine is surprisingly light and rideable. As a result, this 510 cc SOHC single-cylinder powerhouse has an incredible power-to-weight ratio and provides nothing less than the most dynamic and exciting option for offroad riding, dual-sport riding, or rally events.

Photo: Francesc Montero

Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scene. Always wear protective safety gear and ride in a responsible manner.

The illustrated vehicle may vary selected details from the production models and may feature optional equipment available at additional cost.

TCHED

ISSUE 71 July 2022

Issue 71

July 2022

y information: These drawings contain information y to Upshift. Any reproduction, orCover transmittal of this on without expressed written consent is prohibited by David Marvier se partial or complete of the sord marks is prohibited hable to the full extent of the law.

LOGO SHEET

INSTA-ADV Instagram Travelers

Design, Production Chris Glaspell

THE INSIDER

Contributing Writers Chad de Alva Olivier de Vaulx Travis Gill David Marvier

Summer Hydration Tips

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Contributing Photographers Chad de Alva Olivier de Vaulx Travis Gill David Marvier

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The Latest

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Views Through The Lens

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Technical Editor Chad de Alva

SANDRAIDERS

Story Editor Stefanie Glaspell

Old School Morocco

BOLIVIA PART 2

Business Development Brandon Glanville

Mining Communities

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Contact: Brandon Glanville brandon@upshiftonline.com

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TESTED

Klim Arsenal 15 - 30 Backpacks Shinko 520 DC Tire

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Gateway To Scandinavia

FIRST RIDE

2022 KTM Super Adventure R Upshift Magazine is published monthly by Upshift Online Inc. 2022. Reproduction of any material requires written consent from the publishers. All photos, editorial contributions and advertisements are accepted upon representation that they are original materials by the author and or advertiser. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of the editor, staff or advertisers of Upshift Online Inc. Advertisers assume full responsibility for the entire content and subject matter of their advertisements.

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The mission is simple, if you want to share your adventures on “insta-adv” you’d better start following us! @upshift_online and use the hash tag #upshift_online on your photos

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RACE EDITION 2-Stroke - 200

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In a Class by Itself 1) BLUE GRIPPER RACING SEAT 2) ELECTRIC START 3) METER PACKAGE 4) MAP SWITCH WITH TWO DIFFERENT IGNITION SETTINGS - RAIN OR SHINE

5) MOTO STYLE RED VERTIGO HANDGUARDS 6) OFF-ROAD LIGHT 7) REFINED

ADJUSTABLE KYB CLOSED CARTRIDGE FORKS 8) DUAL MATERIAL REAR SPROCKET 9) EXTRA WIDE BILLET MACHINED ALLOY FOOTPEGS 10) BROAD POWER DELIVERY

11) ADJUSTABLE POWER VALVE 12) FRONT AXLE PULL FOR QUICK TIRE CHANGES

SUMMER HYDRATION TIP

By Staff Drink often: Rather than chugging water infrequently, take many smaller sips to continually hydrate.

Don’t forget to snack: When you sweat, you lose electrolytes, which can sap your energy. If your activity lasts for only an hour or less, this usually isn’t an issue, but when you’re out for longer it’s important to compensate for the loss. Snack foods with sodium and potassium can help, as will foods with calcium and magnesium. For an extended, high-intensity activity, also consider bringing an electrolyte replacement sports drink.

Drink more at altitude: Doing any activity at higher altitude can lead to dehydration. You’re less likely to crave water and feel thirsty at higher elevations, so it’s important to drink frequently.

Drink even in cold weather: You may not feel like taking a swig of cold water on a winter day, but it’s just as important to stay properly hydrated in cold weather as it is in hot weather. Packing along a hot drink can be a good way to keep yourself hydrated.

Pre-hydration: In most cases, this isn’t necessary. For a sustained high-exertion activity, though, consider drinking about 16 fl. oz. two hours before heading out.

Rehydrate: Drinking after exercise gets your fluid levels back to normal and can help with recovery.

This can be as simple as drinking a glass of water when you get home, or if you want to get scientific about it, drink 16–24 fl. oz. of water for every pound you lost while exercising.

Plan your route: Water weighs a lot (16 fl. oz. is just over a pound), so if you want to avoid carrying extra weight on a run or bike ride, plan a route that will take you by a water fountain where you can drink or refill a bottle. Another option is to use your car like an aid station and plan an outing that does loops from your vehicle. You can stop at your car to refill a water bottle and grab a quick snack.

In more remote areas, either carry enough water to get you through the duration of your outing, or bring along a water treatment option for refilling from a lake or stream along the route.

Wear sun protection: Getting a sunburn can expedite dehydration, so lather up with sunscreen or wear sun-protection clothing before heading out.

IPS

New Alpinestars SM-5 Rover Helmet The all-new SM5 Rover helmet is the result of more than five years of intensive study, development and testing. We scrutinized every possible aspect to engineer a helmet that is safe and thoughtfully designed to deliver optimal protection and comfort. This lightweight helmet features a thermo-injected shell incorporating a special polymer blend enhanced by varying degrees of thickness that is engineered to deliver the optimal combination of impact protection and light weight, while the five density EPS liner ensures the correct density in the correct area for enhanced impact absorption.

Other key design features include an engineered raised area with padding to effectively reduce the forces transmitted to the collarbone and a patented visor release system that ensures the visor is released with the correct pre-determined amount of force, irrespective of the angle of impact.

MSRP: $259.95. www.alpinestars.com

Antigravity Micro-Start Sport Lithium-ion Jump-Starter One of the Upshift mainstays, the Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start SPORT comes in the most compact carry case we offer, yet has everything needed to Jump-Start your vehicles and charge all 5V USB devices. We designed the SPORT for small size and ease of use. It’s super slim and lightweight making it easy to carry and pack anywhere you go. This mini jump-starter/ personal power supply (PPS) recharges from any available USB outlet, such as on your computer, in your vehicle or even your existing phone charger. That means no bulky chargers to pack around – just the same USB Cable (included) used to charge your devices. Take us on your next adventure! MSRP: $99.95. www.antigravitybatteries.com

• Antigravity Batteries Micro-Start SPORT jump-starter / power supply • Jump-Start cars, trucks, motorcycles, powersports vehicles, more • Charge & Power USB devices • Start gas engines up to 4.0 Liter V6 • 150A starting current / 300A peak • 7,500 mAh capacity • 5 x 2.8 x 0.875 inches • 9.75 oz • LED Flashlight built-in • Carry Case and Accessories included

CHOOSE TO HAVE IT ALL

The new Tiger 1200. It’s the world’s most capable, agile and maneuverable large capacity adventure motorcycle. It’s also significantly lighter and more powerful than its closest competition, with class leading handling, capability and specification, plus all of Triumph’s T-plane triple performance advantage.

All of which combine to deliver exceptional capability and performance on the tarmac, and the most dynamic, exciting experience off road.

The all-new Tiger 1200 family. Now with every advantage. From $19,100 MSRP.

Find out more at triumphmotorcycles.com

New Outback Motortek KTM 1290 Super Adventure – Protection, Pannier Racks, Luggage Rack KTM’s ultimate adventure motorcycle. Outback Motortek is proud to offer a set of one-of-a-kind upper crash bars, heavy duty skid plate and a sturdy platform to haul luggage and camping gear.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure – Pannier Racks: The Outback Motortek standard and X-Frames pannier racks for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R / S are the most universal and functional side pannier frames yet, allowing simple, secure mounting of Rotopax, hard panniers and soft luggage. MSRP: $230.00 – $325.00 U.S. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R / S – Rear Luggage Rack: Outback Motortek designed a Rear Luggage Rack for KTM 1290 Super Adventure R / S that isn’t only gorgeous looking, but is very functional as well. We’ve added holes that are large enough for technically any tie down straps or bungee cord to help you secure a bag, tent, etc. The bonus is the laser cut holes that allow you to directly mount RotoPax fuel or water cans without any modification. MSRP: $140.00 U.S. KTM 1290 Super Adventure – Crash Bars Combo: Our 10th officially drop and drag tested protection combo! The combo consists of a set of lower and upper crash bars as well as a skid plate, and it offers protection for plastic panels, fuel tank, radiator, oil pan and the exhaust headers, in some of the most common drop scenarios. MSRP: $895.00 U.S. Check out all of Outback Motortek’s offerings for the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure at www.outbackmotortek.com. See the video yourself HERE

Ténéré 700.

Find new horizons. www.YamahaMotorsports.com

Professional rider depicted on a closed course. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots. European spec model shown. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Do not drink and ride.

It is illegal and dangerous. ©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

WIDE OPEN

RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO

PHOTO: PHILIPP CARL RIEDL / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations.

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.

Photo: M. Campelli, Fotografie Mitterbauer

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Go anywhere.

F E

Possessing the strongest engine in Husqvarna Motorcycles’ dual-sport lineup, the versatile FE 501s is designed to deliver strong, controllable power that assures the most comfort on extended rides.

5 0 1s Strong, controllable power

Swedish inspired graphics and trim

Counter balance shaft

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BOLIVIA

PHOTO: OLIVIER DE VAULX

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DENMARK

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PHOTO: DAVID MARVIER

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IDAHO

PHOTO: CHRIS GLASPELL

THE NEW

WORLD CONQUEROR

WORLD-CLASS DURABILITY / WORLD-CLASS VENTILATION / ALL-WEATHER ADV PROTECTION / KLIM D3O® AERO PRO ARMOR

B A D L A N D S P R O J A C K E T & PA N T / K R I O S P R O H E L M E T / E D G E G O G G L E

KLIM.COM #KLIMLIFE

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PHOTO: FUTURE 7 MEDIA / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

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PHOTO: CHAD DE ALVA

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PHOTO: OLIVIER DE VAULX

DEDICATED TO RIDER PROTECTION

V X - P R O 4 • STANTON

Photo courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

THE ARAI DIFFERENCE At Arai, not only the management, but its owner also knows the mission to protect riders and continues learning how a helmet works to protect the wearers against riding impacts.

Witnessing how severe and unpredictable some impacts can be, Arai’s focus continues to be the consistent pursuit of gains in protection for helmets bearing our family name.

SCAN TO SEE THE VALUE OF ARAI VIDEO

If the helmet receives an impact, we do not know what direction it will come from, where it will contact the helmet, or how severe the impact energy will be. If destroyed, the shell can no longer slide and impact energy will be directed towards the head.

Therefore, first and foremost, a strong shell is important for glancing off the impact!

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VX-PRO4

No helmet can protect the wearer against all foreseeable impacts. Nothing is a substitute for safe riding practices. ©2022 Arai Helmet

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BOLIVIA

PHOTO: OLIVIER DE VAULX

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RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO

PHOTO: JOERG MITTER / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

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IDAHO

PHOTO: CHAD DE ALVA

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PROVEN PERFORMANCE FOR THE LONG HAUL

The DR-Z400S. Arguably the most proven on- & off-road motorcycle ever created. Built to thrive in any terrain. Experience the machine that literally defines the word DualSport.

This ride needs no introduction, its 400cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces predictable, tractable power for any road or trail. You won’t think twice about your line thanks to its light yet rigid frame coupled to a fully-adjustable suspension. And its unwavering reliability means you can ride everywhere with complete confidence. With the world at your tread, enjoy adventure on a bike that has stood the test of time — and keeps asking for more.

EXPERIENCE THE CAPABLE DR-Z400S AT

SUZUKICYCLES.COM

Along with concerned conservationists everywhere, Suzuki urges you to Tread Lightly!® on public and private land. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. © 2022 Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

SANDRAIDERS April 29th, I am so excited to finally reach Fes, Morocco to meet a group of 70 riders and 30 crew members of the 2022 edition of the “Sandraiders.” As a rider-photographer, I’ll be following the raid the next morning with my Suzuki DR 600 Djebel and my camera.

Under the direction of the former Paris-Dakar racer Pep Segura, all the mechanics, logistic specialists, doctors, and media people from the staff are getting ready. The motorcycles of all the riders were shipped from Europe a few weeks ago and are already here, aligned in front of the hotel, in a parking lot used as a bivouac by the organization.

Words and photos: David Marvier

In the next few days, the riders will have to cross the Atlas Mountains on rocky trails, before heading south toward the big dunes of the Sahara desert. They will see remote villages, large plains, and dry lakes so large that one cannot distinguish between the sky and the horizon.

Welcome to the Sandraiders, a Paris-Dakar inspired motorcycle adventure promoted by a Spanish company named Soloraids and based in Igualada, Spain.

One Day Before The Start Packed with pre-2000 classic bikes, the paddock is a vast display of Honda XRs, Yamaha Teneres, and Honda Africa Twins from the Thierry Sabine era. The 4WD trucks are loaded with spare parts and tools on one side and water, beer and snacks on the other.

The riders are busy doing last minute adjustments on their bikes, or troubleshooting engines unwilling to start.

Luckily, professional mechanics are here to assist and to relieve the unfortunate racers from this unnecessary stress.

I use this time to visit the medina of Fes with my friend Julien, whose Honda XR 350 is ready.

Fes is one of the biggest towns in Northern Morocco, situated between the Rif mountain range and the Middle Atlas. The heart of this ancient imperial city is the souk, a dense market built like a maze where people trade carpets, spices, fabric, pottery and other hand-made artifacts. The nearby tanneries, 900 years old and classified on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, smells as strong as they are colorful.

Stage 1: Fes - Midelt After a copious breakfast, my friends and I take off. It’s not the kind of tour where you have to follow the guide’s flag. Instead, everybody here is allowed to choose their riding buddies, the only condition being to attend the mandatory briefing and to have your GPS beacon checked. This is the electronic version of a guardian angel, as you can be located precisely in case of an emergency.

After only 40 miles of pavement, we reach the first trails. The surrounding countryside at the bottom of the Atlas is all green. We stop for a photo session with my friends, former racers in moto trials or Supercross, as they enjoy a few stunts on the red rocks of the nearby canyons. We then cross deep cedar forests, inhabited by small monkeys.

The following 250 miles on a rocky and treacherous trail are sumptuous, but require total focus. The motorcycles take a beating in these conditions, and Julien already needs to stop to have his exhaust bracket welded! Hopefully, it’s easy to find good mechanics in Morocco. We stop in a small village and a welder takes the job on the spot, while we have a chat with the friendly locals. We end the ride at sunset, with an exhilarating feeling of freedom.

Stage 2: Midelt-Erfoud The next morning, our 350 mile stage begins on a dusty dirt road that leads us to a rocky desert, witness of geological catastrophes from a million years ago.

That’s when one rider falls in a drop and breaks his leg. This is exactly what Pep told us during the briefing: when the trail is easy, people tend to relax and lose their focus, therefore often unable to see the risks when the track suddenly becomes more technical. Luckily, the very professional and reactive medical team acts quickly and the unfortunate rider is repatriated in no time.

We’d like to enjoy a good tajine for lunch in a village, but we are traveling during the Ramadan period and everything is closed. The Eid-el-Kabir is coming in only two days though, so our wait won’t be long. In the meantime, we’ll have to be content with the survival rations provided by the organization. It’s not a gastronomic meal by any means but it helps get us through the day.

At the end of the stage, we cross a sandy plateau, when Julien breaks his exhaust again! He does a quick fix to reach the bivouac, where he would later find another welder.

TAP THE MAP FOR YOUR NEXT Explore thousands of miles of interactive trails for 4x4, SxS, ATV, and dirt bikes across the nation. Color-coded trails let you see which are open with just a glance. Tap on any trail to access details like difficulty rating, clearance level, duration, open and close dates, trail photos, and more.

Your paper maps can’t do that.

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Stage 3: Erfoud-Merzouga The last two days were not without consequences. The bikes are slightly damaged and need some love. While the riders use the half-day off to hang out around the swimming pool, the paddock is busy with mechanics welding, greasing, cleaning, and swapping parts under an unforgiving sun. Visiting downtown Erfoud, an oasis in the desert, we finally eat our long awaited tajine!

In the afternoon, the trail becomes sandy and wanders around the small bushes and little dunes of the desert. We discover our first spot of deep silt, also called fesh-fesh. In the sand, the trick is to ride fast, sitting back on the bike to lift the front wheel. I’m used to this kind of riding, thanks to my previous participation in the Sandraiders. But for newcomers, it’s a steep learning curve that takes a lot of energy. If it was not difficult enough, a sand storm rises. While the first ones to arrive are already sipping the traditional hot mint tea, riders running late in the back are caught in the sandy nightmare. Some reach the bivouac, exhausted, while others give up and wait for the support vehicle, their bike planted deep in the sand. One guy eventually shows up by foot, with no remaining water.

In these dramatic conditions, the planned evening ride in the nearby giant dunes is canceled. Instead, we relax in front of a great dinner with live Berber music on stage.

Stage 4: Merzouga-Zagora Waking up in the middle of the sand dunes is a surreal experience, only second to the feeling of finding the Super Tenere abandoned last night under a layer of sand.

After the briefing, it’s time to start another beautiful stage of sand riding under an immaculate sky. At some point, in the middle of nowhere, I catch up with a group of British riders trying to fix some electrical problems on their Africa Twin. The fluorescent green color of the fresh grass that grew just after the recent rains makes the scenery even more beautiful, but is also proof of the resilience of life on our planet.

Shifting up and moving forward, I pass another group of riders doing a photoshoot in the dunes, before meeting up with two Spaniards at the local gas station. They are putting new rolls in their road-book, trying to keep their cool in the era of modern GPS. Next stop is at lunch time, sitting alone in the furnace under a small tree covered by orange dust. The last leg of the day crosses an infinite plateau up to Zagora.

Stage 5: Zagora-Foum Zguid Zagora is the door to the mythical Sahara desert, and every shop here has stickers from the Paris-Dakar rally, Moroccan Rally or any other motorsport adventure. It’s more than a city, it’s a mandatory stop for anybody willing to start a journey through the biggest desert in the world.

Another breathtaking stage lays in front of us, with an ocean of spectacular dunes to cross. We meet nomads on their way to the city with their camels. Later on, we stop at a camp at the bottom of a giant dune. The tents are made with wood, fabric and animal skin, and protect from the already burning sun. One of the nomads will be our guide today, as taking the risk of going by ourselves in the Sahara would be a potentially deadly mistake. Surfing the sand on his racing quad, he shows us how to climb the mountain-like dunes.

Some strategy comes into play, as it’s impossible to just go straight, and we learn how to choose the right lines and to keep the momentum in the curves.

Every mistake means going back down, taking a deep breath, and starting over. On top of the treacherous sand, the heat and the lack of performance of the vintage trails from the 80’s makes the climb as technical and tiring than an extreme enduro stage!

Once at the summit of the dune, the number one rule is to avoid going straight over the edge. Instead, it’s safer to cross the ridge at an angle, lowering the risk of falling nose first in a drop. When mastered, riding the dunes comes close to the feeling of snowboarding in fresh snow powder! Yet, it’s still a risky business, and before the end of the day, one of our friends will break two ribs playing in the sand. Being a tough guy, he will finish the stage gritting his teeth.

Not everybody tried his skills in the dunes though. It’s their loss, as I believe that it was the highlight of the trip. The riding sensations are unique, and the panorama from the top was mind-blowing. Those who tried will never forget.

Stage 6: Foum Zguid-Ouarzazate The sixth day will be the last on the dirt. We start with a closecall, Julien following another rider blindly in the dust, and ending up crashing after jumping a 4-foot gap. It’s a good reminder that even on easy trails, focusing too much on the GPS screen can make you lose your focus and forget about the traps of the real world.

The next 150 miles are rough, with lot of rocks, ruts, and the fatigue of the previous days making everything more difficult.

To make things worse, my rear tire is almost dead and I’m constantly losing traction. Crossing an oasis, where kids wave at us, we forget for one minute the challenge and climb a mountain pass leading to an incredible view of planet Mars… or so it seems. The next village is our last opportunity to enjoy a tajine while Julien does his third welding of the trip.

We’re just a few hours out of Ouarzazate, one of the biggest cities in the south.

Stage 7: Ouarzazate-Marrakesh After everything we experienced so far, the very last stage between Ouarzazate and Marrakesh feels like an easy cruise through the mountains. We ride on pavement over the Tizi and Tichka passes at 7,400 ft before going downhill to Marrakesh, crushed by the brutal heat of May. With its incredible landscapes, the commitment of crew members and riders alike, the 2022 Sandraiders will have a durable effect on each of us, and will be reason for many to return to Morocco for the next edition!

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@_drew_martin_

Tired of gettting baked during the day? Get comfortable riding at night with a set of RUBY lights.

WWW.SEATCONCEPTS.COM

MINING COMMUNITIES

WORDS AND PHOTOS OLIVIER DE VAULX

The town of Sucre, Bolivia is the constitutional center of the country, and home of the most ancient university on the continent. Its glorious past is still visible in the colonial buildings and the crowd of occidental people walking the streets, shopping in luxury boutiques, or hanging out at cafes.

Thousands of students are flocking to the parks downtown, most of them in a school uniform. Spending a day off the bikes here, visiting the Museum of Indigenous Art, or browsing the aisles of the indoor market is a feat after days of hard-core riding in the jungle and the mountains. Our hotel is an unexpected oasis of luxury after the rudimentary lodging of the past few days and we feel awkward having a delicate breakfast with pastries.

All good things coming to an end, we leave Sucre the next day to reach Potosi, once one of the biggest and richest cities in the world and now still the epicenter of the mining industry in Bolivia. Since the mid 16th century, the Cerro Rico mountain has been explored by European companies who built colossal fortunes and financed the industrial revolution. Today, the dome of the mountain is a crazy maze of tunnels going in every direction and the city still lives on the extraction of minerals such as zinc, lead, tin, and silver.

Shutting down the DR650 engines and wearing large protective pieces of equipment, we approach the mining site on foot, our hearts pounding under the simple effort of the walk. We’re above 13,000ft and every movement costs us dearly. After buying bags of coca to share with the miners, we enter the site and start a conversation with young men waiting for the next shift. They’re friendly, chewing the pain-killing coca leaves to keep the hunger and the fatigue away, and find the strength to smile at our poor small-talk attempts. They explain that now the big corporations and the government abandoned the mines, the whole operation is thus managed by local cooperatives, which explains the lack of modern equipment. A few hundred yards away, we witness two men in their twenties pushing by hand a 4,000 pound wagon full of minerals.

There’s no way we could pull off such physical effort at this altitude without risking a heart attack, especially not on a 72-hour shift, but these two guys are doing that Herculean task without stopping. After emptying their wagon, and since there’s only one rail, we see them removing theirs from the path of another loaded one, just to put it back once the opposite traffic passed by. We’re speechless, and the statue of the devil, smoking a cigarette and surrounded by soda cans that we find in the tunnel, cannot lighten our mood. The miners who feel the need to celebrate rituals in front of this statue in these dark tunnels have a life expectancy of only 41 years.

Leaving Potosi to go back on the plateau, and barely able to think about the minerals contained inside our phones batteries, we ride the little Suzuki’s on a good paved road through a plateau that evokes Arizona: thousands of cacti surround us, and as the falling sun brings pink colors on the hills we could believe we’re back in the USA. The illusion doesn’t last. After the small town of Tupiza, we turn our bikes toward Argentina. A puncture caused by a huge acacia needle stops our charge towards the border, and since we have no tools, we wait for the support vehicle, an indestructible Land Cruiser, to show up with the mechanics. Once the tube is swapped for a new one, the rest of the ride is done at a good pace on a vast plateau with a 360 view of the surrounding summits. The border finally materializes in the form of a large river cutting the red mountains in half. If the colors are reminiscent of Utah, the scenery is wider and wilder, and breathtaking to say the least.

There’s no fence between the two countries and it feels surreal to think that the landscape in front of us belongs to another flag. Taking our time to follow the river and therefore the border as much as we can, enjoying the warm colors of the red rocks as the sun settles, we enter the small village of Rio Secco just before dusk.

S end t he sea rc h

Our host welcomes us in front of a building he built himself to accommodate tourists. It’s rudimentary and barely enough to protect us from the biting cold, but the kindness of this man and the big barbecue we start right away transforms what could have been a cold and miserable night into a real feast. The Argentinian meat is soft and tasty and, once covered by three layers of blankets, we sleep like babies.

The next day is under the sign of geological curiosities. Out of Rio Secco, we pass red hoodoos like the ones of Bryce Canyon and keep climbing toward Ciudad Roma. From a distance, impressive rock formations taller than 90 feet look like ruins of ancient temples, giving their name to the place. The place is amazing to visit, even with the cold wind blowing and drowning the temperatures way below freezing levels. We sit for a while behind a wall of rocks, protected from the wind and soaking up the warm rays of the sun. A couple of condors fly overhead, a rare sight we enjoy without talking.

The peacefulness leads way to gratefulness as we thank our guide for this detour. Getting back on the bikes at the end of the afternoon we add on the last layers we have and start the engines to head toward Guadalupe. The village is built between two mountains with clay bricks, and the night is so cold that we put blankets over the bikes, to prevent the oil from freezing. By dinner time, we sit close to each other in the crude shelter of our host’s kitchen and share a bowl of soup with quinoa. The wind is still strong and whistles through the imperfect roof, but it doesn’t prevent anybody from sleeping. We’re exhausted and we know that tomorrow will be challenging.

In the morning, we start by breaking the ice on our first river crossing of the day, our frozen fingers barely able to hang on to the handlebar.

Even though our bodies are kept warm by the multiple layers of our Legion equipment, we can’t wait for the sun to warm us up. But be careful what you wish for! By noon, we find ourselves sweating on a technical single track at the bottom of an incredible canyon. Clutching our DR650s over boulders, rocky river crossings, and steep climbs, we don’t give up, knowing that Maurice promised us a reward for such hard work. Thirty minutes of exhausting riding later, we reach the ruins of a five-century-old mining center. The archaeological site itself is interesting, but the old stones are not the most important or surprising fact. What makes this place so special is that we’re welcomed by the whole population of the next village, who came by foot just to meet us. Astonished, we then understand that they’ve never received or seen any tourists before! After the mayor’s speech, we’re invited to dance by the girls while a band plays pan-pipes and drums.

It’s charming and the genuine laughter of the kids touches everyone deeply. The villagers discovered the ruins just a few months ago, and a 70 year old farmer went to town on foot to collect pieces of information about the place. He’s our guide today and reads his notes and answers questions. We can see how tourism can have a positive impact on small communities like this one! After the visit, we enjoy a lunch consisting of soup and dry llama meat. To be honest, this tastes more like cardboard than beef jerky, but that’s probably the price to pay for meat that can be kept out of plastic or the fridge for years.

While we buy some gloves and beanies woven from vicuñas’ wool, the Bolivian antelope with soy-like wool, Maurice unveils crates of books he brought in the chase vehicle to offer to the school. The joy of these people in front of this small gift is almost heartbreaking. That’s the exact moment when we decided to push more of the Moto Trails Bolivia resources toward helping communities in the backcountry. Without this promise made to ourselves, we couldn’t have left these people without feeling like we were letting them down.

Riding back in the canyon is a bit faster, since we now know the good lines, and we start the ride to Quetena. Although the trails are a bit wider, the end of the day will not get any easier. As the dirt road gains some elevation, the terrain becomes rockier, with flat stones raising under the weight of our wheels and hitting our skid plates or our feet. Wearing good boots in these conditions is vital! The wind is even stronger than the day before and it’s hard to keep the bikes in the chosen lines. On the plateau, the tracks somehow multiply and we navigate with the GPS, choosing trails that follow more or less our bearing. It is during these hard conditions that we pass by our first laguna, a small but highly colored mountain lake in the middle of nowhere. It’s tempting to stop but the wind destroys our hopes of a quiet snack break. Riding further, we finally find a cliff near another laguna where we can eat some chocolate bars without shivering. Reaching the famous Laguna Celeste is another challenge. The rocky trail wanders over a large plateau, and passes in between other lakes swept by the storm-like wind. The 10 miles to reach the laguna’s shore are tiring but the water’s turquoise color looks supernatural and makes it worth it. Climbing back is not easier, and when we finally reach Quetena in the evening, it’s hard not to fall asleep in the hot shower! During dinner, Maurice gives us a quick breakdown of the days ahead. More challenging rides in some different landscapes are to be expected, and this is what you guys will discover in a future issue of Upshift!

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

FOR MAKING THIS ADVENTURE POSSIBLE

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO ON

RIDING IN BOLIVIA Flying to La Paz from the USA requires at least one stop, usually at Bogota or Columbia, since the airport can only be reached by night because of the elevation. Visa requirements depend on the country of origin, with US citizens having to pay a $100 fee. It’s easy to change cash at local ATMs, with one dollar being roughly equivalent to 7 bolivianos.

High elevation, temperature change, and rough terrain are reasons why these motorcycle adventures are not for beginners but rather for experienced riders. The bikes are Suzuki DR650s in perfect condition and equipped with Trail Tech Voyager Pro GPSs. A 4x4 vehicle driven by two mechanics follows the group to provide assistance and carry the rider’s luggage. All information can be obtained on Moto Trails Bolivia’s website: www.mototrailsbolivia.com/en

TESTED

BY CHAD DE ALVA

KLIM ARSENAL 15-30 BACKPACKS Klim’s Nac Pak riding backpack has built a very strong following over the years. Many riders who run these packs swear up and down that it’s the best riding pack they’ve ever used. It fits well, carries tools, hydration, snacks, and has room for other essentials making it a great pack for all sorts of rides. KLIM isn’t a company that rests on its laurels, and they’ve come out with two new moto-specific backpacks. One raises the performance of the already great Nac Pak, and the other brings a great new option to the table. Meet KLIM’s Arsenal 15 and Arsenal 30 backpacks.

The Arsenal 15 is the moto-focused premium version of the Nac Pak. Riders who are familiar with the Nac Pak will instantly recognize the similarities. Starting with the harness, KLIM has enlarged the harness chest pockets to hold modern smartphones and added stash pockets to both sides. The back panel is a new design that provides structure to the pack, and thanks to some strategic foam and mesh placement, allows air to flow between the pack and your back, helping keep you cooler. Moving inside the main compartment, you’ll find room for the included 3-liter hydration bladder, and a hanging point for Klim’s outstanding Tool Pack. More on the Tool Pack in a minute.

ARSENAL 15

ARSENAL 30

ARSENAL 15

T TE SE TSE TD E: DK L I M A R S E N A L 1 5 - 3 0 B A C K P A C K S

ARSENAL 15

ARSENAL 15

TESTED: KLIM ARSENAL 15-30 BACKPACKS On top of the main compartment, you’ll find a top pocket that can be opened to reveal more pockets, one of which has a goggle wipe. Below this top pocket is a kangaroo pocket, perfect for stashing a rain layer or other odd-sized items. KLIM did a great job with the compression straps for the kangaroo pocket, as they don’t compress the pockets on the outside of the pouch. This means you can shove something into the kangaroo pouch, cinch it down, and still have easier access to the pockets on the outside of the pouch. KLIM also stashed a rain fly in a zippered pocket in the kangaroo pouch, and as someone who has been nuked in more than one monsoon rainstorm, I’m really glad to see this feature. Rounding out the pack is an organizer pocket on the outside of the kangaroo pouch. Total storage volume of the Arsenal 15 is 14 liters.

The Arsenal 30 pack is for riders who want to bring more with them on their rides. Folks who are familiar with real outdoor packs from backpacking or hunting will instantly recognize a number of features on the Arsenal 30 that speak to the pack’s quality design and potential for off-bike use. Starting with the harness, there is a proper hip belt that does a great job holding onto the iliac crests of your hips, so you can actually carry some weight in this pack. Load lifters help keep the comfortable back panel glued to your back. The back panel is also where an included 3-liter hydration bladder is carried.

The main compartment of the Arsenal 30 can be fully opened to lay the pack flat, and there are enough zippers to open just the top, or each side of the compartment individually. On each side of the main compartment are stretchy pockets that can hold a 1-liter bottle, and in these pockets you’ll find two compression straps for each side of the pack. The top and outside pockets are similar to what’s found on the Arsenal 15 in that they have plenty of provisions for organizing small gear, and the top pocket has a goggle wipe as well. The Arsenal 30 also has a rain fly and Tool Pack. Total storage volume is 29 liters.

TESTED: KLIM ARSENAL 15-30 BACKPACKS KLIM’s Tool Pack deserves a mention here because it’s proven to be a great tool organizer. I’ve been running the same Tool Pack for several years now, and in that time my pack has traveled thousands of miles and done a great job keeping my tools organized and protected (from each other, and from eating other gear in my pack) in a form factor that’s easy to load into any backpack or bag I’m using. The Tool Pack is a quality piece of kit, and I would strongly recommend using it. I’m glad to see that it’s included with both new Arsenal packs.

In use, the Arsenal 15 quickly demonstrates the value of its moto specific design.

There are no unused features here – this pack has been optimized to do a great job carrying the gear that riders need to support all sorts of rides from all day dual sport missions to hard enduro and single track sessions. The Arsenal 15’s harness is designed to embrace your chest, so spend some time fitting the pack to yourself to get the best experience. Only when the pack is jammed full with the heaviest of loadouts does the harness start to show its limitations, but when you’re not trying to carry as much weight as possible, the pack becomes a seamless extension of you body.

ARSENAL 30

T TE SE TSE TD E: DK L I M A R S E N A L 1 5 - 3 0 B A C K P A C K S

ARSENAL 30

TESTED: KLIM ARSENAL 15-30 BACKPACKS If you’re the type of rider who needs to carry more than the Arsenal 15 can swallow, then the Arsenal 30 is the pack for you. KLIM did an excellent job of fusing proper backpack design with a moto-specific feature set, making this a great pack for riders who need all of the storage space on their back. The Arsenal 30 can carry all of the camera gear that I need with ease, and its multi-zip main compartment makes accessing that gear a breeze. The pack has enough storage volume to carry everything you need for a fast and light moto-camping trip, and for so many other uses. If you’ve only got a few things to carry, the Arsenal 30 can be cinched down, but you may find its full size frame getting in your way.

KLIM has done a great job with the Arsenal 15 and 30. Both of these packs are well optimized for moto-use, and in the case of the Arsenal 30, off-bike use as well. As someone who has been beating on the same KLIM backpacks for several years, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed moving into these new packs and taking advantage of their new features while continuing to enjoy the same awesome experience I’ve come to expect from KLIM backpacks. The choice of which pack is right for you comes down to how much storage space you really need for your types of riding. Know that either way you go, you’re going get a premium moto pack that is going to help enable years of great riding experiences. For more information go to www.KLIM.com.

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TESTED

BY CHAD DE ALVA

SHINKO 520 DC TIRE The Shinko 520 DC is almost like cheating, in that this offroad rear tire provides most impressive levels of grip across a wide range of riding surfaces. From slick clay mud to silt, and on rocks of all flavors from basalt to sandstone, this tire just plain hooks up, giving the rider the confidence they need to devour miles of single track or to stick scary hard enduro lines. For the better part of a year, we’ve been putting a few of these tires to the test all over the western United States. We’ve logged thousands of miles on single track, rocky mountain pass riding, dual sporting, hard enduro, and desert riding to see what these tires are like in some of the best places for riding dirt bikes. Long story short – the 520DC is outstanding.

DC stands for Dual Compound, and that’s what makes this tire unique compared to most other “gummy” type tires. On the crown of the 520 DC you’ll find a soft “gummy” rubber compound that helps give this tire its impressive traction.

On the shoulders of the tire, you’ll find a harder compound that resists tearing and chunking and gives the tire great cornering bite. Combined, these two unique compounds work together to give the rider the best of both worlds in one rear tire: gummy tire levels of straight line traction, and MX tire levels of cornering traction. Coupled with a carcass that has stiffer sidewalls and a soft crown, you’ve got a tire that doesn’t want to fold over or pinch flat, yet conforms very well to obstacles, further improving traction.

In testing, we’ve run the 520 DC with heavy duty tubes, Nitro Mousse, and with TuBliss. All of these options work well, but maximum levels of traction will be found when using TuBliss, enabling the rider to run ridiculously low tire pressures. Doing this significantly expands the contact patch of the tire which makes all the difference when it comes to sticking to a surface. If you want trials tire levels of grip without the downsides of running a trials tire on your dirt bike, set one of these 520 DCs up with TuBliss and go nuts.

TESTED: SHINKO 520 DC TIRE Speaking of downsides, the only real drawback to the 520 DC is that it’s a heavier tire. However, the performance that this tire provides makes it worth every ounce of its more than 14 pound weight in its only size: 120/100-18. Other reviews out there have stated that this tire wears out quite quickly, but that hasn’t been our experience for the types of riding that we’ve been doing. Keep in mind that tire life is highly dependent on the bike that the tire is mounted on, as well as the rider’s ability and style. I’m sure there are riders out there who could kill any tire in short order, but we’ve been happy with the life we’re seeing out of the 520 DC across the spectrum of off-road riding that we’ve been doing.

Last fall we rode hundreds of miles of Rocky Mountain single track and high mountain passes with this tire. As the snow closed these areas down, we sought lower elevations like the Sonoran Desert where we rode even more rocks in both slab and sand form.

We also made sure to sample plenty of sandstone and limestone during trips to our other winter riding locales. This last spring, we ran this tire for the Nevada 200 and for a number of long dual sport missions. Please note that this tire is rated NHS, meaning it’s not for highway service. With summer finally melting the snow out, we’ve been back to riding in the mountains, where we are once again playing hard enduro on all of the big rocks. Not once during any of these rides did this tire let us down or feel like it was holding us back.

TESTED: SHINKO 520 DC TIRE The Shinko 520 DC is an outstanding rear tire. It provides great grip whether you’re trying to climb a gnarly hard enduro line, or you’re trying to blow past your riding buddy mid corner. When combined with TuBliss, it provides truly impressive levels of grip, without the drawbacks of using a trials tire. With tubes or a mousse, the tire still provides top shelf traction across a spectrum of surfaces, making this tire a great choice no matter how you want to mount it. For riders who want a great off-road (not rated for highway use) tire, the Shinko 520 DC should be the next tire you try. For more information go to www.shinkotireusa.com

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GATEWAY TO SCANDINAVIA

BY TRAVIS GILL OF VIAJARMOTO.COM

Do you remember those placement exams in high school or college that used word analogies? Questions like: handlebar is to motorcycle as steering wheel is to automobile. Well, Switzerland is to Colorado as Denmark is to Florida. Denmark is flat – Florida flat. The highest point of the entire country is Møllehøj – a grassy hill stretching up to 560 feet (170.8 meters). No Sherpa required.

Denmark is so flat that the Swedish company IKEA names all of their rugs after Danish places. Flat like rugs.

So after visiting the iconic mountain passes of Switzerland, Italy, and Austria Upshift Issue 70, what could Denmark possibly offer in comparison to the magnificent alpine scenery of the Alps? Well it turns out there are quite a lot of interesting things to see and experience – especially if you’re willing to swing down your motorcycle’s side stand and explore a bit.

TRANS EURO TRAIL (TET) TRACKS For those looking for off-road riding through Denmark, they’ll be thrilled to know that Linesman Lucas Gabriel Salina D’Ovidio has created a system of two distinct riding tracks through the country. Track 1 connects the German TET, at the ferry terminal in Rødby, to the Øresunds Bridge, the southern entry point of the Swedish TET. This 242 mile (390 km) track follows public roads with a few gravel sections that offer picturesque views of small Danish towns and the countryside.

Track 2 is a 388 mile (625 km) section that is the more off-road oriented of the two. This track includes a variety of roadways such as gravel roads, dirt and forested tracks, that alternate between tarmac sections. Compared to other TET routes, Denmark is considered to be a bit on the easier side, but there are still some moderate sections along this track. Download the tracks at www.transeurotrail.org.

HOME OF A LEGENDARY TOY COMPANY Readers of UPSHIFT have undoubtedly heard of the toy company LEGO®. These colorful, plastic building blocks have been a part of childhood imagination and building for generations. The LEGO Group was founded in Billund in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen.

Ole’s original brick home and shop is now a museum, just blocks away from the international headquarters. Inside the LEGO House you can learn more about the history of LEGO Group, that started as a local wooden toy builder, and grew into the multi-billion dollar international business.

As we rode into Billund, I was surprised that one of the largest toy manufactures in the world is located within the confines of a rather small town of just over 6,600 people. The corporate headquarters, a LEGOLAND® theme park, LEGO House, a water park, and even an airport, are all zoned so that the town continues to maintain its laid-back style. During our afternoon there, we enjoyed spending time at the LEGO House, walking the streets where locals would smile and provide a friendly “hej” (which sounds just like “hi”), and a public gathering to watch the Danish Dynamite – Denmark’s national football (soccer) team, on the big screen from the brick shaped bleachers of the LEGO House.

UNEXPECTED WWI HISTORY During WWI (1914-1918), Denmark maintained its neutrality, so we were a bit surprised to discover the WWI Sea War Museum in Jutland. A museum created to remind visitors that “War is a tragedy and should not be glorified, but the history must be told and the victims remembered.” The United States intended to remain neutral as well during WWI, but changed their views when Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare against civilian and neutral shipping, resulting in the high-profile sinking of the RMS Lusitania which killed 128 US citizens. The Imperial German submarine responsible for the sinking of the Lusitania was SM U-20 – A single event which changed the course of WWI. 18-months later, U-20 ran aground on the Danish coast near Thorsminde. The Danish Navy removed the deck gun, conning tower, and periscope, which are now on display at the Sea War Museum. It was surreal to be peering through the same periscope that Kapitänleutnant Walther Schwieger looked through on the early afternoon of May 7th, 1915, when he ordered a single torpedo to be shot into the starboard side of the RMS Lusitania.

Just outside the Sea War Museum, on the sandy beaches of Thyborøn, lies a tragic reminder of the cost of war. Just 85 miles off the coast of Jutland was the largest naval battle of WWI, in which 151 combat ships of the British Royal Navy fought 99 ships from the Imperial German Navy. The aftermath of the Battle of Jutland was the sinking of 14 British ships, 11 German ships, and a total of 8,645 deaths. These sandy shores are now hollowed ground – 26 granite blocks, commemorating the ships sunk and the casualties on other ships, surrounded with statues of human figures. With future funding, there is hope that a statue will be created for each of the deceased sailors.

SEARCHING FOR THE DAMBO TROLLS A highlight of our travels through Denmark was searching for the fun and whimsical trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. He uses recycled wood to create fairytale sculptures of his evolving story called “The Great Story Of The Little People & The Giant Trolls”. We especially enjoyed discovering the sculpture titled Sigurd, the Bird & the Red Thing, near the town of Mørke, where Sigurd is happily riding a small red Hyundai down the hill. At the time of our travels, there were 17 trolls hiding throughout Denmark, with more popping up from time to time. You can even find more of his wonderful creations in Germany, France, South Korea, China, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Learn more at www.thomasdambo.com.

RIDING THE WIND ON THE BEACH There are very few areas in Europe where one can enjoy the unique experience of riding a motorcycle on a seaside beach. Fortunately, Denmark has such a beach on the island of Romø where the hardpacked sand of Lakolk Beach is well away from the corrosive effects of the salty sea. Additionally, there is a fairly constant seaside breeze that makes it a perfect location for land sailing! We parked our two mules and decided to try our luck at learning to sail a Beach Runner. After a short intro from an instructor, we were off chasing the wind, while giggling for the entire hour-long rental. The Beach Runners were a ton of fun, but in the end, we prefer the maneuverability and practicality of our motorcycle mules.

A TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF ROCK’N’ROLL While riding by the city of Randers, we noticed a road-sign that read “Memphis Mansion”. Huh, in Denmark? That sounds like an Elvis Presley attraction. Sure enough it is! Henrik Knudsen, an Elvis enthusiast, has created a Danish version of Graceland that includes a full-sized replica of the iconic Graceland Mansion, but is twice as large to accommodate the extensive collection of memorabilia, a shop and American diner, and a party room. As we rode into the parking lot, Henrik greeted us warmly, and told us we could park in front of the mansion because “Elvis loved motorcycles”. We enjoyed a few hours of browsing the sizable collection of Elvis memorabilia including a 1964 Lincoln Continental that Elvis and his family used from 1964 to 1974. For lunch, we ordered the appropriately named “EP’s All Time Favorite” – A peanut butter and banana sandwich, with crispy bacon on the side.

VIKING HISTORY AND SHIPBUILDING If you enjoy Viking history and shipbuilding, the Viking Ship Museum is not to be missed. Ships were the lifeblood of the Vikings who used them for fishing, trade, exploration, and warfare. The museum’s main exhibition is the Skuldelev Ships – five Viking Age ships that were sunk 1,000 years ago in the shallow waters of the Roskilde Fjord. In 1962, a project began to recover the ships, study them, and put them on display as an example of Viking Age construction techniques. Additionally, each of the five ships have been meticulously restored using the same techniques that were used in the 11th century. We enjoyed the various exhibits, with information plaques written in English, playing Viking-aged games, and watching shipyard workers build using century-old techniques.

COPENHAGEN AND AN ICONIC STATUE The final destination of our 16-days in Denmark, was a ride to the capital city of Copenhagen to visit a few iconic tourist spots like Nyboder, and the well-known Little Mermaid Statue. Nyboder is famous for its historic row of burnt-orange colored homes, that were built from 1757, as housing for Royal Danish Navy personnel and their families. The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue created by Danish–Icelandic sculptor Edvard Eriksen, that depicts a mermaid becoming human. The statue was inspired by the 1837 fairytale story by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, and has been a Copenhagen icon since its unveiling in 1913. Just a few hundred meters from The Little Mermaid is another bronze statue called The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid. Created in 2000, by Danish sculptor Bjørn Nørgaard, this statue is a modern interpretation of her older sister, that depicts the sometimes provocative and humoristic view of postmodern society.

GATEWAY TO SCANDINAVIA Denmark was just the beginning of our plans to reach the Arctic Circle, experience the midnight sun, and ride to the famous globe monument at North Cape. As we rode along the Øresund Bridge, that connects Denmark to Sweden, we knew that we had a long road ahead. More adventure awaits…

ABOUT VIAJARMOTO Travis and Chantil Gill started full-time motorcycle overlanding in early 2020 with the hopes of seeing and experiencing the different countries and cultures of the world. You can follow them on their website at www.viajarMOTO.com

Introducing BDR-X, shorter routes that loop.

Unlike our traditional routes, BDR-X routes will be 300-600 miles in length, take only a few days to complete, and conveniently loop back to wherever you started the route.

The Red Desert Wyoming BDR-X will be the first to roll out in this series. The free trip-planning resources on the website will be similar to that of our traditional routes and include: • Interactive map • GPS tracks download • Documentary film • Downloadable map • Travel resources • FAQs

IF YOU RIDE BDR:

BDR-X Route WYBDR Route Gas Lodging Groceries Supplies Total Route Mileage: 149 Miles

This map representants an overview of the route but should not be relied on for navigation purposes.

A GPS Device or Mobile App should be used to provide precise navigation.

Download Free GPS Tracks at:

RideBDR.com

© 2022 Backcountry Discovery Routes. All rights reserved. Backcountry registered trademarks.

Backcountry Discovery Discovery Routes and BDR are Routes is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

Map copyright 2022 by Butler Maps, Inc. Eagle, Colorado – All Rights under General Copyright Reserved. This product Laws, and it is illegal is protected to reproduce, republish without the expressed or disseminate, in whole written permission of Butler Maps, Inc. The exclusive and registered Bulter Maps logo. trademarksor part, trademarks of Butler Maps, Inc. Map print are the date: June 2022

Learn more at:

RideBDR.com/RedDesert

Download Free Map

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F I R S T

R I D E

K TM SUPER ADVENTURE R It’s funny how perspective changes things. The first time you throw a leg over the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (SAR), the little voice in your head starts reminding you of a few key things: You now have a 160-horsepower rocket ship masquerading as an adventure bike between your legs; This isn’t your bike, so you can’t drop it; It would be great not to die today; But also, have you seen what Chris Birch can do on one of these?

Fast forward a couple of hours and that little voice in your head has completely changed its perspective – thanks in no small part to the fact that the last couple of hours have been some of the most grin-inducing time spent on an adventure bike – ever. The internal commentary has shifted tone from don’t screw up and don’t die, to encouraging just a little bit of pushing it. Okay. Maybe more than a little. After all, why wouldn’t you try and ride KTM’s most powerful, heaviest, and most-everything-est, adventure bike like it’s a big dirt bike?

PHOTOS & WORDS BY CHAD DE ALVA

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is all new for the 2021 or 2022 model year, depending on where in the world you’re reading this. In the US, we’ve waited so long to get this bike, that we’ve picked up a whole model year. But that’s not important – what is important is how much has changed on this new generation of 1290, and what the cumulative effect of those changes are when you ride the bike.

Sitting down on the seat for the first time, the 34.6-inch seat height is lower than what you might expect, but this bike excels at defying expectations. The fuel tank is a saddle style tank like what’s found on the 890R, meaning the tank carries fuel down low on the sides of the bike, which keeps fuel weight as low as possible.

Not only does this make the bike feel lighter than you would expect, the tank isn’t in your way when standing or getting your weight forward. It’s also no longer something you have to remove to service the air filter.

That’s now as easy as removing only a few screws that secure the new weather sealed compartment located in front of the fuel filler.

This smaller and lighter than you might expect theme continues forward into the cockpit where the bars are quite accessible thanks to an updated frame that’s lost 22 pounds and had its geometry revised. The steering head has been moved back 15mm for better maneuverability, and conversely the swingarm has been extended by 15mm to improve traction and tracking.

1290 is a big number for a bike, but sitting or standing in the cockpit, things feel comfortable and controllable for my 6-foot, 1-inch frame. The bike doesn’t feel anywhere near as big as other bikes in its class, and that helps the rider build confidence quickly. The SAR weighs in ready to ride just shy of 550 pounds, but the revisions to the chassis make the bike feel incredibly light on its feet.

The heart of the 1290 is KTM’s legendary LC8 75-degree V-twin motor, and this 1,301 cc mill is the reason the word super is part of the bike’s name. For the new Super Adventure R, the motor has lost 3.5 pounds, and thanks to some fancy internal changes, it has less parasitic loss and is able to meet Euro 5 Compliance standards while cranking out a claimed 160 hp and 105 ft-pounds of torque. Crack the fly-by-wire throttle on the 1290 and you’re greeted with a forceful torque hit that launches you into a world of power that builds all the way to the 10,500 rpm redline. The way that this bike makes power is super addicting – but I’ll stop using the word super now.

Controlling this motor may sound like a handful, but thanks to KTM’s electronics package and a wonderful clutch, putting the power down can be done with everything from trials bike precision to maximum warp levels of performance. Standard ride modes are Sport, Street, Rain, and Off-Road. The optional Tech Pack ($749.99) adds Rally Mode, Hill Hold Control, and Quickshifter +. Our 1290 SAR borrowed from a long time friend of Upshift didn’t have the Tech Pack, but if it works anything like the Tech Pack on the 890R, it’s worth every penny. Rally Mode is the star of the show here, with adjustable throttle response and nine levels of traction control intervention that range from max intervention at level 9, to non-existent at level 1. This lets you dial in TC intervention to do everything from tire slaying power slides to easily propelling the bike up loose and slippery climbs. The other modes perform as you would expect. Sport gives you all the power, and more aggressive throttle where Street mode retains peak power but brings the throttle response back on to the 1 to 10 scale.

Rain mode softens things up for riding in the wet, and Off-Road lets you roost away on the dirt, and with Off-Road ABS (which turns off rear wheel ABS) the bike is a giggle in the dirt.

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

Thanks to a gorgeous 7-inch TFT display and a great compliment of switch gear, navigating through all of these settings is a breeze. Mode changes are accompanied by visual representations of what you’re changing, and the menus are well thought out. There are switches that are user assignable, meaning changing ride modes or ABS modes (and many other features) are as easy to access as a flick of a switch. When properly set up, there’s no need to stop and scroll to adjust your settings – a few quick clicks lets you transition from paved road apex hunting to dirt drifting in seconds.

Suspension on the SAR is outstanding. Whether you’re carving canyons or blasting dirt tracks, the suspension instills confidence and handles anything mere mortals can ride through with ease. The suspension has been extensively tuned with the help of KTM fun-seeker and moto legend Quinn Cody, and they’ve really nailed the setup on this bike. On road, the bike soaks up imperfections with ease, and weight transfer is handled quite well by the 220mm of front and rear fully adjustable WP Xplor suspension. Yet off-road is where the suspension really shines.

You wouldn’t be wrong to think that a 500-plus pound bike would be a handful off-road, and that it would be easy to outride the stock suspension, but that’s not the case here. The SAR’s suspension devours ruts, rocks, and roots while simultaneously instilling confidence in the rider.

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

As soon as you come to terms with the SAR’s capability, you start seeking out the fun lines and obstacles to hit, because this bike absolutely loves to play off-road. Make no mistake about it, you will definitely use all of the suspension travel if you’re pushing it off road. Yet even when you do, the bike still stays composed and confident, and there something that will never get old about riding these bikes like they are big dirt bikes.

From jumping stumps and practicing cornering drills like weaving through the rocks on the steering stops at slow speed, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is an absolute riot off-road. Yes, this is a 160-hp monster, but it’s deceptively capable so you can put down precisely the right amount of power to execute a full lock turn when your path is blocked by snow, or to roll on the roost when drifting a corner. If there is a big adventure bike that dominates in the dirt, it’s the SAR.

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

NEW PRODUCT | NOW SHIPPING

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE

Rushing parts to the market has never been our goal. Hence we spent nearly a year developing and carefully testing our 2021-2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R/S products. The greatest challenge was designing and developing a set of properly performing crash bars!

Please visit our YouTube channel for the official DropTest video!

Yet all dirt roads must come to an end, and when it’s time to ride on road, the SAR is quite enjoyable. The stock Bridgestone Battlax AX41 tires do quite well for 40/60 tires, and coupled with the bike’s impressive electronic aids, it is deceptively good on road. Doing dumb things like making sure the ABS works, or seeing how quickly you can get the traction control light to come on while leaned over mid corner, shows just how seamless and effective modern rider aids are. On road is where I found myself tinkering with the adjustable height windscreen that could do a better job providing wind protection at speed; our example did rattle a bit. The S model of the Super Adventure can be spec’d with adaptive cruise control, which would be an option I would definitely choose if it was available on the R model. The bike has everything else, so why not?

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

I have to admit that prior to riding the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, I had kind of written off liter-plus adventure bikes, because mid-size bikes like the 890R are just so damn good. Yet, the 1290 SAR has completely won me over. This bike does mellow and controlled so well that you’re not afraid to play in the rocks or work at slow speeds, and when it’s time to crack that throttle, boy howdy you better be ready because this thing is Tesla Plaid level quick. It’s comfortable and capable and the kind of bike that you just want to take everywhere, making this bike so much fun to ride. For more information go to www.ktm.com.

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

FIRSt RIDE: KTM SUPER ADVENTURE R

T E C HNIC AL S P E C IF IC A T ION S MSRP:

$19,499

N/A Engine:

DOHC, liquid-cooled LC8 V-twin; 4-valve

Displacement:

1,301cc

Bore x Stroke:

108.0 x 71.0mm

Compression Ratio:

13.1:1

Transmission/Final Drive:

6-speed/chain

Horsepower:

132.3 hp @ 9,200 rpm

Torque:

87.5 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic fuel injection with 52mm throttle bodies

Clutch:

Wet, multiplate, PASC slipper function; hydraulically actuated

Engine Management/Ignition:

Keihin, ride-by-wire

Frame:

Chromoly steel trellis

Front Suspension:

WP Xplor 48mm inverted fork; fully adjustable; 8.7 in. travel

Rear Suspension:

WP Xplor PDS monoshock; fully adjustable, 8.7 in. travel

Front Brake:

4-piston radial-mount Brembo calipers, dual 320mm discs with ABS

Rear Brake:

2-piston Brembo caliper, 267mm disc with with ABS

Wheels, Front/Rear:

Front: 21 x 2.5 in. Rear: 18 x 4.25 in.

Tires, Front/Rear:

Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Front: AX41; 90/90-21 Rear: 150/70-18

Rake/Trail:

25.3°/4.4 in.

Wheelbase:

62.1 in. (1,570mm)

Ground Clearance:

9.5 in. (242mm)

Seat Height:

34.6 in. (880mm)

Fuel Capacity:

6.1 gal.

Average MPG:

34.0 mpg

WE’RE EXPERTS IN THE BUSINESS BECAUSE WE RIDE TOO!

Idaho’s largest powersports dealership, family owned and operated since 1966. We are the premier Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris and Suzuki powersports dealership in the Northwest.

Visit us at carlscycle.com. Call us at 208-853-5550. Or, stop by our store at 5550 W. State Street, Boise, Idaho for all your powersports needs.

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